Mixed Goods

Going round the bend, a mixed goods train slowly approaches Homestyal Halt.

Passing a railcar patiently waiting for her passengers at Homestyal Halt.

Carefully does it whilst passing the new foundations of the Brookwood Extension.

Past the cordyline and over Buddleia Pond bridge.

On looking shires follow the progress of the mixed goods train.

Pulling out of Buddleia Pond station and passing the sleepy signal box.

Brookwood Extension - Girder Bridge footings (1)

With the dryer weather now upon us, it was time to begin the construction of the Brookwood Extension.

After the initial removal of a 10610 straight section (1200mm) replaced with an electric left switch 16150, a straight section 10600 (600mm) and two straight sections 10080 (82mm), it was time to lay the foundations for the new bridge supports.

The first bridge support foundations were laid to a depth of 175mm using spar, sand and cement to a 3:2:1 ratio.

Once the foundations have dried, after approximately 7 days, two concrete edging stones will be mortared together and back filled with more concrete. (See future post.)

Whilst waiting for the conctrete to dry, I covered the whole area with a solid plastic sheet to help the mix to slowly dry and thus not crack. (Not illustrated.)

KOF first to roll out with new logo plates.

After being recalled to the HLR Bodyshop, KOF 3005 proudly presents her new logo plates.

The decal was applied over a pre-painted patch of Johnson Klear, before another thicker coat was painted over the decal. The initial coat was to provide a suitable surface for the decal to be applied and the second coat was to provide protection.

Billy becomes..........

Ninety years ago today my mother was born and subsequently christened Florence. This morning in her memory, Billy too was christened Florence and given the operating number of 9, representing her birth date.

The crowds gathered for the renaming ceremony, including the guest of honour, The Controller.

The Stationmaster began the countdown for the curtains to unveil.

Gradually the curtains opened to the anticipating crowd.

Whilst her name is revealed, a couple of proud engineers polish and oil her components.

The Controllers secretary whispers, "What a lovely name".

"I now declare her Florence, number 9" announces The Controller.

Did you guess her name?

Girder Bridge - Stage 3

Using 10mm x 10mm angle aluminum the track supports were fixed in place with 3mm pan headed zinc plated screws.

The supports are slightly wider than the sleepers to allow for movement and expansion.

Stainz - Deutsche Post

Typically found in starter sets, this alternative Stainz steam locomotive version was created for and to represent the Deutsche Post.

Model: Complete with smoke generator, sound and directional lights.

Length: 240mm Weight: 1950g

HLR Logo

Thanks to Roger from The Cottage Group for the artwork and  to John from Precision Labels for the decals, I now have ready for application, the logo plates for HLR. During the following weeks locomotives and rolling stock will be re-called to the HLR Bodyshop for their logo plates to be fitted.

Goods Van

The Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway was well provisioned with goods rolling stock when it was opened in 1902, all of which was supplied by Pickerings and the majority of which survived the closure of the line.  The initial order included four of these vans built to carry four tons, equipped with sliding doors and single brake and later fitted with safety chains.

Model: Mainly constructed from injection moulded plastic, with 45mm wheel sets fitted.
Length: 285mm Accucraft UK-BMS: R19-5B
Scale: 16mm to 1 foot (1:19)

HLR Stock: 1

Loads of Coal

With a growing collection of wagons, I needed to decide on the type of freight that should be carried. I knew I wanted to use 'removable loads' but I wasn't sure of what. However with the recent addition of a couple of Accucraft UK-BMS R19-3B open wagons, I knew they should be transporting coal.

To achieve this I cut a 20mm thick polystyrene sheet to the internal dimensions of the wagon.

This was then painted with an acrylic black (semi-gloss or flat) paint.

Once dry, wood adhesive was spread over the painted surface.

Synthetic 'Loco Coal' was mixed with more adhesive and again spread over the surface.

The 'Loco Coal', obtained from Garden Railway Specialists, was mixed with wood adhesive in a small mixing bowl.

Initially whilst drying, the adhesive will have a milky colour to it. This will eventually dry transparent.

The finished removable coal load.

Spring Steam

Next week 'Billy' goes into the sheds for her running number and nameplate to be fitted, but before doing so, she was tasked with one more assignment, the moving of a delivery of new rolling stock to the HLR depot.

The first batch of wagons being pulled away from  Homestyal Halt.

Waiting patiently for her steam to rise at Homestyal Halt.

On her way.

Passing by Homestyal church.

Full steam ahead as she passes Buddleia Pond signal box.

Look out for the forthcoming naming ceremony scheduled for next week. Have you any ideas of what her name  may be yet?